Five options for town offices, library outlined in Norwell

Norwell's library/town hall study committee is seeking $35,000 from town meeting to evaluate five options for the town offices and library. The request has selectmen's backing.

Fred Hanson The Patriot Ledger @Fhanson_Ledger

NORWELL – Selectmen are backing a request at the May 5 town meeting for $35,000 to evaluate possible sites for town offices and an expanded library.

Members of the library/town hall study committee met with the board Wednesday night to outline five possible options for the two operations. Three of the five would town offices and the library under one roof.

Committee member Frank White said the committee’s goal is to present a plan at next year’s town meeting.

Town departments have been operating since 1986 in the former Osborn School, which was built in 1950. Committee members said the building is too big and will need repair work.

“It will cost you money to stay here,” White said..

The library building on South Street is too small and lacks parking, study committee member Mary Cole said.

One option is for the town offices and the library to remain in their present locations. The potential sites for a combined facility are an addition behind Cushing Hall, a renovated Osborn School and the nearby Sparrell School building. Or the town offices and library could be moved into separate locations.

White said a 2008 study estimated that renovating the Osborn School to accommodate a new library and town offices would cost $10 million.

He said said the money being sought at town meeting would be used to pay for a detailed study of the town’s library needs and to develop cost estimates of one of the other options.

White said the committee will try to select an option for detailed study based on resident responses.

“How do we fit the needs of the town with what we have?” he said.

Selectmen said they think the decision will come down to cost.

Selectman David DeCoste noted that property taxes in town have climbed nearly 24 percent over the past three years.

“We will have a tough time selling anything that’s really expensive,” he said.

Selectman Gregg McBride replied, “You can’t do nothing.”

Selectman Tammi Gardner said the town needs information on the options to make a decision.